The Joseph E. Robert, Jr. Fellowship in Pediatric Surgical Innovation

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The Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation at Children’s National Health System offers an exciting and dynamic post-graduate research experience focused on biomedical innovation, The Joseph E. Robert, Jr. Fellowship in Pediatric Surgical Innovation. We invite individuals from the following groups to apply for this unique opportunity:

Our Robert Fellows partner with principal investigators to develop and translate innovative research concepts into pediatric surgical clinical practice. They create clinical study and testing protocols, ensure scientific validation, identify intellectual property, navigate regulatory requirements, write grant proposals, and produce business plans. Robert Fellows complete the one-year program with a research portfolio aimed at translating research into pediatric surgical clinical care.

The Sheikh Zayed Institute created the Joseph E. Robert, Jr. Fellowship as part of the historic $150 million gift from the government of Abu Dhabi that founded the Institute to help make pediatric surgery more precise, less invasive, and pain-free. The fellowship’s goal is to equip medical professionals with the skills, background, and experience they need to establish a career dedicated to the discovery and development of innovative new approaches that will improve surgical interventions. The diversity of the experience and expertise of our faculty and staff contributes to making this fellowship a unique opportunity for qualified and enthusiastic candidates.

The Institute’s faculty includes leaders and active researchers in many pediatric surgical disciplines, representing the disciplines of general surgery, urology, cardiology, anesthesia, and radiology, as well as bioengineers, immunologists, geneticists, and experts in innovation.

Q: How many fellowships are available?

Up to four new Fellows will be hired each year depending upon qualifications and suitability.

Q: When is the application deadline?

The deadline for applications is November 30th each year. However, it is best to apply as early as possible because applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Q: What is the start date for the fellowship?

All fellowships start on July 1 of the year for which Fellows are selected.

Q: Is it a requirement to have an MD or a PhD to apply?

This fellowship is designed to foster innovation. While an MD or a PhD are preferred, candidates with any graduate degree could be considered if their application demonstrates a dedication to innovation in biomedical research, pediatrics, or surgery.

Q: Is this fellowship a paid position?

Please email educationszi@childrensnational.org for specific questions related to benefits of the fellowship program. Compensation will be at the level of PGY7 to 8 surgical trainees.

Q: Is the fellowship open only to U.S. citizens and/or those with a current visa?

Non-U.S. citizens may apply, but their participation will be contingent on their ability to secure a visa.

Q: Can I choose which projects I work on?

Fellows do have some influence on the projects they work on and can pursue a personal project about which they are passionate. However, to gain the full spectrum of knowledge about medical innovation, fellows will also contribute to several ongoing Institute projects in the course of the Fellowship.

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